Floor
21 years, Rotterdam Academy
Why Rotterdam?
"Because I can take this course here! The study is right up my alley. It's about art in relation to society. You research a social problem and then you see if you can change something with art. That appealed to me so much that I even spent the first year traveling back and forth from Sevenum. That's near Venlo. I looked hard for a room in Rotterdam, but it's not doable. Now I've found a room in Tilburg. And that already makes a difference. I used to travel 5 hours a day! But from Tilburg to Rotterdam is only 40 minutes."
What did you learn in Rotterdam?
"Especially that art and inspiration is in people. This city is so diverse. There are such diverse types walking around, such beautiful people ... You just have to walk down the street and you get inspired. At least, for me that's how it works. I like to observe, and there's plenty to see here."
Where should you be?
"Now that I live in Tilburg, I'm only getting to know Rotterdam a little better. So I don't have many tips yet. I do look forward to going to outdoor cafes with my college friends without looking at the clock all the time. And we like to visit the Park near the Euromast, to have a picnic or just chat. That's a cozy place where a lot of students come."
What should you really do (or not do) as a freshman?
"Oh, that's easy. Just walk! Rotterdam is a city where you have to hit the streets. Walking, people-watching, having a chat... That's the best way to get to know the city."
What will you do?
"I start my internship after the summer and will also graduate this academic year. Whether I'm going to live in Rotterdam? Well, I'm going back to my little village first. I'm going to work for a year to earn money, and together with my father convert a bus into a camper. With that I'm going to travel all over Europe. Take my camera with me and see and photograph a lot. I'm already looking forward to it."
Floor's hotspots
Kunsthal - always inspiring with its changing exhibitions
Bilbiotheek Rotterdam - nice atmosphere and great for people watching
Park near the Euromast - good place to picnic